§ Mrs. EllmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what criteria are used to assess bids for agencies seeking appointment to installerships under the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme with particular reference to(a) pricing of measures, (b) quality of work, (c) customer care provisions and (d) training opportunities; and if he will make a statement. [77657]
§ Mr. MealeThe Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES) is managed for the Department under contract by Eaga Ltd. As part of the contract, Eaga is responsible for the appointment of installers to carry out work in designated areas under the scheme. Installers seeking appointment are required to demonstrate that they can meet the required standard of quality of work and customer care, and have the appropriately qualified and trained staff. Those meeting these criteria are then assessed on the basis of price.
To maintain quality standards, Eaga inspect 5 per cent. of jobs done by installers. Additionally, there is an 8 month probationary period for newly appointed and re-appointed installers. The recent National Audit Office report on HEES confirmed the high quality of work achieved by the scheme.